Confident Knowledge in English of Academic Subjects

Octorial^™

Academic Experience

Key points

Small class sizes ensure that each student receives individual attention from their tutors, providing a learning experience which is unique to their needs. This close proximity between students and teachers fosters close relationships and a supportive environment, which builds confidence amongst the young learners and encourages them to succeed.

Teachers challenge students to achieve to the maximum of their potential, and set milestones and goals for each student, with constant evaluation. This sets the pace for each learner to surpass their academic expectations and achieve more than they thought possible.

In tandem with English language development, the course piques the intellectual curiosity of the learners by exposing them to a range of authentic sources from different academic subjects, which in turn develops their critical thinking skills as they discuss and analyse them.

The mix of nationalities in the classroom and the wide range of materials covered creates an international outlook amongst students, broadening their horizons and exposing them to new ideas, cultures and ways of thinking.

Objectives of the study

Objectives of the stay

To spend a school vacation stay in England studying academic subjects in English.

Academic Subjects Immersion Programme

The Academic Subjects Immersion Programme goes beyond language knowledge, fluency and confidence in English and explores a wide range of academic subjects such as History, Geography, Natural sciences and Literature. Students also explore areas of interpersonal skills and inter-cultural awareness as well as developing their learner autonomy.

• Academic subject knowledge
Students develop a greater understanding of subjects that are key for work and life in the 21st century including English Literature, the performing arts, Geography, History, Science, and Politics.

• English language in use
Students look at content in English by reading a text or watching a video. They will then analyse its language features, and practise using them in engaging, meaningful spoken or written tasks.

• Creative project
Students have the opportunity to develop their ability to think creatively, work creatively and collaboratively with others to share their innovative ideas through different presentation styles such as pecha kucha, video reportage, or a blog.

• Measuring progress
Each student keeps a Learner Portfolio to encourage learning skills, self-assessment and reflection. Individual coaching sessions allow students to monitor and improve their
performance.

• Cultural awareness & educational field trip
Students, through an inquiry approach, develop skills for understanding aspects of culture. Students will research a place to visit and, after doing so, they will present their findings and contrast them with their own culture.

Expectations

Outcomes

The ability to speak and write with confidence and accuracy, whilst feeling comfortable using the language.

Accommodation

Homestay

Homestay accommodation is provided. All meals included.

Arrival and departure

Transfer

On arrival days, a shuttle is scheduled to leave for the school at the following times:

- Gatwick airport: 18.00

- Heathrow airport: 18.00

- St. Pancras: 18.00

Students should choose a flight/ train that lands / arrives 90 minutes before the shuttle departure. They should also be aware that the earlier they arrive the longer their wait at the airport/station. A representative will be at the airport or station 5 hours before the departure of the shuttle to welcome the students and provide assistance.

On departure days, a shuttle will drop the students at the following time:

- Gatwick: 11.30

- Heathrow: 11.30

- St. Pancras: 11.30

Students should choose a flight or train that departs at least 2 hours after the above drop off times. They should also be aware that the later the flight the longer the wait.

A representative will stay at the airport or the station 5 hours after the arrival of the shuttle to provide assistance while waiting to go through the departures gate.

Culture